Manta - Bazaruto Archipelago

Pasito Blanco is one of those sites we often recommend for a chill afternoon dive, especially if you’ve spent the morning battling currents elsewhere. It’s just five minutes from the sports beach, and the generally calm conditions mean you can really take your time poking around. The seafloor here is a shallow, rectangular stretch, dropping to a maximum of 19 metres, perfect for extended bottom times. We particularly love the way the light filters down, illuminating the sandy patches where you’ll spot Wide-eyed Flounders doing their best impression of the seabed. Keep an eye out for African Striped Grunts, their silvery scales flashing as they cruise past, often accompanied by schools of Canary Damsels. It’s a reliable spot for seeing common octopuses tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you with surprising intelligence. And while it’s not guaranteed, we’ve often been greeted by the slightly grumpy faces of moray eels peering from their hideouts, especially if you get there a bit later in the day. Visibility averages a solid 17 metres, making it easy to spot the more subtle residents, like the little Rock Gobies. This is a site for unhurried exploration, for divers who appreciate the smaller, intricate details of the reef rather than dramatic drop-offs.

Location: Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -24.204700, 35.644700

Best Time to Dive in Bazaruto Archipelago

The warmest water temperatures in Bazaruto Archipelago occur in January, averaging 28.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 23.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 28.3°C
February: 28.3°C
March: 27.6°C
April: 27.0°C
May: 25.9°C
June: 24.8°C
July: 23.8°C
August: 23.3°C
September: 23.6°C
October: 24.5°C
November: 25.8°C
December: 27.4°C

Nearest Dive Centres to Manta

Marine Life in Bazaruto Archipelago

Home to 99 recorded species including 70 reef fish, 14 sharks & rays, 4 other, 3 sea cucumbers, 3 hard corals, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) - Sharks & Rays
Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) - Reef Fish
Soldier (Cheimerius nufar) - Reef Fish
Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
Gulf torpedo (Torpedo sinuspersici) - Sharks & Rays
Halfmoon triggerfish (Sufflamen chrysopterum) - Reef Fish
Day Sarpon (Alepisaurus ferox) - Reef Fish
Blackspot Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) - Reef Fish
Kihikihi (Zanclus cornutus) - Reef Fish
Spottail Coris (Coris caudimacula) - Reef Fish
Sunburst Butterflyfish (Chaetodon kleinii) - Reef Fish
Goldbar wrasse (Thalassoma hebraicum) - Reef Fish
Savigny's Brittle Star (Ophiactis savignyi)
Rainbow wrasse (Halichoeres iridis) - Reef Fish
Banded Toby (Canthigaster valentini) - Reef Fish
Blue and Gold Fusilier (Caesio caerulaurea) - Reef Fish
Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) - Whales & Dolphins
Palani (Acanthurus dussumieri) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Manta

Based on average water temperature of 25.9°C, currents 35 cm/s.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
Mask - essential for every dive
Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
BCD - buoyancy compensator
Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories